guidance notes feb11

Updated Feb 2011 replacing all previous versions 1

CHARTERED AND INCORPORATED ENGINEER: YOUR GUIDE TO MAKING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION This guide has been prepared to provide support, assistance and advice to you as you compile and submit your application for Chartered or Incorporated Engineer Registration and Membership of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The application process is straightforward; please read and review these notes before starting your submission. If you do have questions or queries at any stage of the application process, please contact our Membership Helpdesk: Call 0845 226 9191 or email [email protected] If you are calling from overseas, please dial +44 (0)20 7304 6999 It is important that you understand the current requirements for becoming a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer. You should be confident that you meet them before making your application. These guidance notes will clearly outline what is required and will provide useful examples for your reference. When completing your application, please ensure that you include sufficient detail that highlights where you have met the requirements for Membership and Registration. Contents Background to your application Page 2

Engineering qualifications Page 2

Engineering skills and experience Page 3

Guidance for applying as a Fellow Page 4 How to apply Page 6

Your application form Page 6 Your Professional Review Report Page 7 Development Action Plan Page 9 Application sponsors Page 9

Your interview 1

Appendix A: Competence statements Page 13 Appendix B: How to demonstrate competence Page 18

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BACKGROUND TO YOUR APPLICATION What is the standard? UK-SPEC (United Kingdom Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (Dec 2008)) is the standard that governs the engineering profession. It is published by the Engineering Council. It describes the requirements you have to meet before you can register as a professional engineer and gives you examples of ways of you can do this. The UK-SPEC framework document, when used in conjunction with these guidance notes, will help you to find out whether you can meet the requirements, as it explains the steps necessary to achieve Registration. The standard is used and applied by all UK-based engineering institutions. To download a copy, please visit the Engineering Council website at www.engc.org.uk How is the standard assessed? The standard is assessed in a two-part process; you need to demonstrate the required level of underpinning knowledge and engineering competence. Competence is assessed by a written submission and at an interview. ENGINEERING QUALIFICATIONS We need to check your academic profile to ensure that it meets the benchmark for Registration. You are always advised to contact the Institution before starting your application, in order to confirm whether your qualifications will meet the requirements. How can you check if your qualifications meet the requirements? The table below provides a guide to the kind of qualification you’ll need to become a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer. Incorporated Engineer Chartered Engineer Typically a three-year accredited Bachelor’s degree (BEng degree) or equivalent OR HND/HNC plus a period of further learning

Typically a four-year accredited MEng degree or equivalent OR a three-year accredited BEng (Hons) degree plus an appropriate Master’s programme or period of further learning

What else could be considered? • Engineering Council (UK) examinations of acceptable profile • Overseas qualifications of an acceptable standard and profile can be considered eg

Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Europe • A mix of overseas and UK-based qualifications • An engineering qualification accredited under previous standards

You may have a range of engineering qualifications that, at first glance, don’t appear to meet the requirements for Membership and Registration. If that’s the case, don’t worry, as we can review and assess your qualifications free of charge and with no commitment to Membership. For more information or to find out if your qualifications meet the requirements, contact our Membership Team on 0845 226 9191 or use our qualifications checker: http://www.imeche.org/qualifications

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ENGINEERING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE In order to make a successful application for Membership, you need to tell us what you have done and what you have achieved in your engineering career. You should be able to demonstrate that you are competent and committed to your profession. There are five generic competence statements that you must address. Every engineer, of every discipline, is assessed against the same statements in the same way. There are a number of subtle differences between the Chartered Engineer and the Incorporated Engineer Registrations. Take some time to think about the job that you do, and map it against the competence framework. You should apply for the grade of Membership that best matches your skills and experience. If you need advice on the level of Registration that’s right for you, contact the Membership Helpdesk on 0845 226 9191 or [email protected] What is competence? Professional competence combines knowledge, understanding, skills and values. It’s about more than just being able to perform a specific task; it’s being able to do it correctly, safely, effectively and consistently. What are the competence requirements? The following table provides a guide to the competences and the differences between IEng and CEng. Incorporated Engineer Chartered Engineer UK-SPEC states that Incorporated Engineers must be competent throughout their working life by virtue of their education, training and experience, to:

UK-SPEC states that Chartered Engineers must be competent throughout their working life by virtue of their education, training and experience, to:

COMPETENCE A Use a combination of general and specialist mechanical engineering knowledge and understanding to apply existing and emerging technology.

COMPETENCE A Use a combination of general and specialist mechanical engineering knowledge and understanding to optimise the application of existing and emerging technology.

COMPETENCE B Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to design, develop, manufacture, construct, commission, operate, maintain, decommission and recycle engineering processes, systems, services and products.

COMPETENCE B Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of engineering problems.

COMPETENCE C Provide technical and commercial management.

COMPETENCE C Provide technical and commercial leadership.

COMPETENCE D Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.

COMPETENCE D Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.

COMPETENCE E Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment.

COMPETENCE E Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment.



How do you demonstrate competence? The skills and experience you have picked up over the course of your career should help you to meet the competence requirements. It is important to never underestimate or forget your day job. The Institution provides guidance as to how you can demonstrate that you have met the competence requirements. By looking at the matrix shown in appendix A, you will see that each of the competence statements has four possible levels, where 1 is the lowest and 4 is the highest. The grades are defined below: Level 1 – Performs the activity with significant supervision and guidance; performs basic routine and predictable tasks; little or no individual responsibility. (This level of competence would not normally be sufficient for election to Membership.) Level 2 – Performs the activity in a range of contexts; supervision required only in more complex circumstances; some individual responsibility or autonomy. (This indicates a minimum level of competence for election to Membership, which should be supplemented by higher levels of competence in the areas most relevant to the field of engineering in which the you are employed.) Level 3 – Performs the activity in some complex and non-routine contexts; significant responsibility and autonomy; can oversee the work of others. (This indicates a normal level of competence for election to Membership.) Level 4 – Performs the activity in a wide range of complex and non-routine contexts; substantial personal autonomy; can develop others in the activity. (This indicates a high level of competence and suitability for election to Membership and possibly Fellowship.) In order for your application to be successful you will need to demonstrate, as a minimum requirement, that you can score level 2 in two of the competences and level 3 in three of them. Fellow If you can demonstrate, as a minimum requirement, scores of level 4 in four of the competences, plus a level 3 in one other, you could be elected as a Fellow. It is possible that if you apply for Member level, but are really working at Fellow level, the assessment panel may recommend that you are elected as a Fellow. Conversely, if you apply for Fellow, but are really working at Member level, the panel can recommend that you are elected as a Member, rather than rejecting your application. Current IMechE Members wishing to apply for Fellow level should consult the Member to Fellow guidance notes, available on the website, as the assessment is against different criteria. Fellowship of IMechE is the senior class of Membership and applicants seeking election to Fellow are expected to demonstrate, by the appropriate evidence, fulfilment of the UK-SPEC competences at the higher level, plus their commitment and practice of many of the following functions, attributes and qualities. The application must clearly provide this evidence. When assessing an application for Fellowship, the assessors will be looking for evidence of the five UK-SPEC competences and will also consider qualities that we would expect to see in a Fellow. These are:

• A position of senior responsibility and/or significant autonomy in your particular field • Demonstrable leadership qualities • Influencing policy and strategy making decisions in either a technical or business

environment • A structured approach to CPD

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• The promotion of the engineering profession to young engineers and potential engineers

• Highly specialist knowledge in a specific area of engineering • Technical or engineering resource management and/or personnel management and

development • Responsibility for a budget and the associated risk • Application of a significant range of fundamental principles and complex techniques

across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts • Active development and application of new technologies in engineering and related

areas at senior level The assessors will not score you against these criteria; however, it is important that you consider the above when deciding which grade to apply for. If you wish to apply directly for Fellowship, you should ensure that you can demonstrate a commitment to the development of the engineering profession in the broader context, and to individual Continuing Professional Development. IMechE recognises that applicants may no longer have hands-on engineering responsibility and that their careers may have developed more broadly into senior management or into a specialist role. Individuals who have retired from a position of senior responsibility but continue to demonstrate commitment to the profession within their CPD, may be suitable to apply for Fellowship. IMechE believes that an established reputation is not necessarily dependent on holding a significant position of responsibility within senior management. Individuals who have made a sound and significant contribution as engineers are encouraged to apply. Engineering specialists

The Institution recognises that throughout industry and academia there will be a number of engineers who are operating in very specialised engineering sectors; therefore Membership and Registration will also be available to those engineers who are deemed to be specialists in their chosen fields. IMechE accepts that specialists may not be able to satisfy all five of the competence areas, particularly those concerned with leadership and management, or that a specialist may not be able to demonstrate a sufficiently broad knowledge of engineering outside the specialist areas. If this applies to you, follow the same process and make sure that you provide evidence of the following:

• In-depth knowledge with a degree of complexity of the specialist area • Involvement in innovative design, development and research • Broad awareness of engineering applications and transferability outside your

specialist area • Evidence of presentations to conferences, seminars, suppliers, customers etc • Publications, in particular referenced written papers on your specialist subject and • Recognition as an expert in your chosen field and with a record of successful

consultation for your knowledge and expertise Evidence of your leadership and management skills may be found in the relationship with colleagues and other people, and by how you might influence design, decision making or policy processes.

You may find it useful to look at the Competence Matrix provided in appendix A on page 13 and note down where you think that you meet the requirements. Doing this will also help you to identify any potential projects for your professional review report. We also recommend that you discuss this matrix with your sponsors and make them aware of the requirements for Registration.


HOW TO APPLY Membership of IMechE and your Registration as a professional engineer are linked. If you meet the requirements for CEng or IEng, then you will also become a Member or Fellow of the Institution. The application process is outlined below:

• Check your qualifications • Complete an application form (see 1) • Compile a Professional Review Report/submit MPDS Reports (see 2/2a) • Submit a Development Action Plan (see 3) • Get support from two sponsors (see 4) • Submit your application • Have an interview (see 5)

1. Your application form The application form must be completed in full. Remember, the application is about you and what you’ve done. Include as much information as you can and complete all the fields. You may wish to consider the application form as an executive summary of your Professional Review Report. Electronic copies of the application form are available from the IMechE website: www.imeche.org/membership Original signatures are required; you will need to save and print the form before submitting it. Pages 2 and 3 of the form are the most important, as they contain details about your career and achievements. We try to keep the information requested to a minimum, so there is no need to include any additional sheets. You are allowed to duplicate some of the information if required. Use the following table as a guide to help you fill in your application form. Step 1 Your details

Indicate if you are applying for Member or Fellow. Provide contact details for IMechE use when processing the application.

Step 2 Sponsors

Each sponsor should be either CEng or IEng registered. Ideally two CEng sponsors for CEng applications and two IEng sponsors for IEng applications. Applications for Fellowship must be sponsored by at least one Fellow. Non-IMechE sponsors are checked against the relevant register to confirm their professional registration with other professional institutions. In addition to signing the application form, sponsors must also read the Guidance for Sponsors and complete the relevant sponsor form to be submitted with the application.

Step 3 Academic qualifications

Complete the fields as required, indicating your qualifications.

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Steps 4 & 5 Professional experience and career to date

Both sections should be accurately detailed and written in the first person where possible.

Step 4 Professional experience

State where you work and what you do. Highlight what the company does. It is advisable not to copy and paste your job description into this section as it may not fully highlight your achievements. Instead, provide as much information as possible about your current role. Include details of your engineering knowledge and expertise; management responsibility for staff, projects and project teams and their budgets. Please also highlight any areas of Health and Safety under your care. Please advise IMechE if your role or job changes during the application process. Any relevant information can be advised to the interviewers.

Step 5 Career to date

In this section, starting with the most recent first, you need to highlight past employers, past roles, previous responsibilities and achievements. You should also record any career breaks.

Step 6 Interview location

Indicate your chosen location for interview. If you require any assistance with access to the building for the interview, contact the Membership Team on 0845 226 9191.

Step 7 Industry classification

Clearly indicate your current areas of engineering activity and interest, identifying no more than three areas. This information is used solely for processing the application.

Step 8 Data Protection Act

Indicate by ticking one or more of the boxes which, if any, mailings from other parties are not required.

Step 9 Engagement and signature

Finally, sign and date the application form. IMechE must have a paper copy of the form with an original signature.

2. Your Professional Review Report The Professional Review Report is a paper that outlines where you have met the requirements for Membership. It forms the central part of your application and should be 2,500 words long (double spaced, single sided and not bound). Your report is confidential and won’t be kept for long after your application is finished. Any applicant who has not completed the Institution’s Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS) needs to submit a Professional Review Report. Notes to help you write your report

• Talk to your sponsors before writing it – understand what they want to see • It must be written in the first person and exclude any company jargon and acronyms • Include your name and membership number (if you have one) • Ensure it is signed by a sponsor as a “true and accurate reflection of your career to

date” • You can include photographs, sketches, calculations, diagrams etc • An organisational chart can help you to show where you fit in to your company • An orientation chart can be used to show your lines of communication and influence

within the organisation


• Use an appendix for a glossary of terms if it’s useful (this will not be included in your word count)

• You may find it useful to reference the competence statements in the right-hand margin; this should be seen as best practice and is strongly encouraged by the Institution

• Don’t forget to add a conclusion • Get it proof read

How can IMechE help? The Institution hosts workshops where members of staff or specially trained Members provide guidance and advice regarding the compilation of your Professional Review Report and preparation for Professional Review Interview. There may be one happening locally or even in your company. To find out about Regional Workshops, please contact your local Business Development Manager at: [email protected] Sample reports are available from our Membership Team on 0845 226 9191 or at [email protected] Once you have completed your paper, please arrange to have an objective review of your report carried out. This can be carried out by your sponsor, mentor or a colleague who’s already registered. Alternatively, contact the Institution if you need additional advice. What do we look for? A logical structure, containing an introduction, main text and a conclusion. 1. Introduction: This should include information such as where you studied, when you graduated, where you have worked and what you do now. Also cover brief details of graduate training programmes and any relevant training. 2. The main body of the report should highlight your experience, responsibilities and expertise. You should be able to show how each of the competences has been met. The simplest way of doing this may be to select one or two fairly recent projects that will allow you to demonstrate:

• the breadth and depth of your engineering knowledge and how you apply or have applied engineering principles

• your ability to design, develop and apply or use new and emerging technologies appropriate to the type of Registration sought

• evidence of any relevant training you may have completed (copies of training certificates are not required)

• how you have identified and resolved problems • your level of responsibility and autonomy within the project or processes • an organisational chart • how your leadership skills have developed • how you influence others

3. Conclusion: You should make a clear statement that you have read, understood and will abide by the IMechE Code of Conduct. It should also highlight your commitment to the profession, your willingness to support others and should mention if you are involved with IMechE or the promotion of engineering.




2a. Engineers on Monitored Professional Development Schemes (MPDS) If you are on the MPD Scheme, you do not need to submit a Professional Review Report unless instructed by IMechE. Instead you should submit quarterly reports and annual reports for the last two years of your development. For more information regarding this submission, please contact the MPDS helpline on 0845 226 0211 or email [email protected] 3. Your Development Action Plan Your development as an engineer will never stop: you should make a commitment to keep up to date with the profession. This document tells IMechE what you plan to do over the next few years. We would like you to submit one side of A4 that outlines your short, medium and long-term goals. In other words tell us where you are now, where you want to be and how you intend to get there. Things you might want to consider include:

• Work-based learning • Distance learning • Special work projects • Writing technical papers • Mentoring • Voluntary work • Institution activity or committee work • Visiting schools to promote engineering • Seminar/conference presentations • Any relevant course • Private study

4. Application sponsors Sponsors are professionally registered engineers who know you and are willing to support your application. They offer independent peer recognition of your skills and achievements. Your sponsor can’t be a direct family member. Before you can apply, you need to make sure that each sponsor has completed the form independently and in full. You should include your signed sponsor forms when you submit your application form. The sponsor forms and guidance notes are also available on the IMechE website: www.imeche.org/guidance


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CHECKLIST FOR APPLICANTS

You should keep copies of all documents submitted to IMechE, as original applications will eventually be scanned and shredded. Make sure all documents are included prior to submitting your application.

For those of you who have written a Professional Review Report

Have you… Copies Yes

Signed and completed an application form? 1

Had Section 2 of the application form signed by both1

sponsors? (original signatures required)

Had sponsor forms completed and signed by each 3 sponsor?

Included an application fee? 1

Included a Professional Review Report? (signed off correctly by appropriate person)

3

Included a Development Action Plan? 3

Included degree evidence? (not applicable if currently an Associate)

1

MPDS applicants:

Have you… Copies Yes

Signed and completed an application form? 1

Had Section 2 of the application form signed by both 1 sponsors? (original signatures required)

Included an application fee? 1

Had your sponsor form completed? (a sponsor who is also your MPDS mentor does not need to complete this)

3

Included a Final Personal Report and Development Action Plan? 3

Included 4 Quarterly Reports for your final year on MPDS? (doubled-sided copies preferred) 3

Included your MPDS Annual Assessment report for your penultimate year? (Usually Year 3 - double-sided copies preferred)

3

Included your final Year MPDS Annual Assessment? (Usually Year 4 - double-sided copies preferred)

3

Included degree evidence? (not applicable if currently an Associate member) 1

Have you included all the items listed above? If you have not, please do not submit your application. Incomplete applications will delay the application process and may result in your application being withdrawn.


5. Your interview Once your papers have been processed by the Institution, you will be invited to attend a Professional Review Interview in the Region selected on your application form. Please ensure that you contact us to confirm your availability for interview. If you don’t, your application may be delayed. What is it? The Professional Review Interview is a mandatory part of the Membership process. Every Chartered or Incorporated Engineer, regardless of their discipline, has to attend an interview. The interview is based on the information you provide in your application pack and is used to determine the level of competence that you demonstrate. You should prepare for your interview by reading through your report thoroughly. The interviewers will focus on your most recent and relevant experience. They will make their judgements based solely on the information provided to them and your performance during the interview. Who will be there? Two trained and experienced IMechE Members will conduct the interview. An Interview Consultant will also be present. Interviewers are trained by the Institution and understand the requirements of UK-SPEC and the criteria for election to Membership. They won’t be matched to your market sector or area of expertise, but will give a very brief introduction of themselves for your benefit before the interview. The Interview Consultant is an experienced and trained representative, appointed by IMechE to ensure that standards are maintained and interviews are conducted fairly and consistently. They will meet and brief you before your interview and make any introductions. They are also there to answer any questions that you may have about the process. Whenever possible, two interviewers will conduct overseas interviews, although an Interview Consultant may not be in attendance. If you have completed MPDS, then you can take your mentor along to the interview. Your mentor is not allowed to participate, but their attendance may have a number of benefits. Having your mentor present means you can get objective feedback on your interview and personal presentation skills. Your mentor may also find that attending your interview can be part of their continuing professional development; supports their own understanding of the process; and helps them to prepare future candidates. How long does it take? The interview will take approximately 45 minutes. What is the format? The interview is a discussion between peers, designed to evaluate and assess your level of competence. As in any interview, there are no trick questions and you should structure your responses to questions using “I” not “we” or “the team”. You are expected to play a leading role in the discussion, and provide detailed and specific answers about actual events to demonstrate the competences. You may also be asked to expand on some of your answers, and highlight how processes or tasks might have been done differently.


You are encouraged to develop answers and explain things clearly and concisely. Your answers should be structured to demonstrate good communication skills. You should also avoid the use of acronyms, company jargon or slang. You can expect a level of technical questioning. Interview panel members may take the opportunity to develop a particular technical issue or aspect of your responsibilities. This could take the form of an in-depth question-and-answer exchange of the engineering principles involved, or the development of an innovative process review to establish your theoretical understanding of the issues involved. You can bring supporting evidence to back up any discussion, but should be aware of the time constraints. You might find items such as technical drawings, photographs, sketches, calculations and design drawings can quickly clarify a technical point. IMechE recognises that there is an increasing use of technology within the engineering industry. When assessing someone who employs a significant amount of technology in their role, interviewers will seek evidence that the resultant technology, program or software is being applied in an engineering environment. For example design engineering, testing and assessment of equipment or processes, product development. In this case it is essential that the evidence supports the application of engineering, skills and expertise to develop the product or process. Examples can include CAD and CAE engineers, computer modellers, IT engineers, CFD specialist and stress, metallurgical or thermodynamic analysts. The final few minutes of the interview are thrown open to you. This is your opportunity to talk about anything that you think is important to your application that has not yet been mentioned.

What happens next? Your assessors will make one of three recommendations. These are: elect to Membership; defer with guidance regarding your submission; or not recommended. Neither the Interview Consultant nor the interviewers are able to advise you about the decision that they make, as their recommendation must be approved by the Professional Review Committee. If you are successful, you will receive a letter and a certificate from the Institution’s President and Chief Executive confirming your achievement. Your name will then be forwarded to the Engineering Council (UK) for Registration. Your name will appear in the Daily Telegraph and Scotsman newspapers on the first Thursday of the following: March, June, September or December. If your application is not successful, we will write to you and explain the reason for the decision. You will also be given some guidance as to how you may wish to address the concerns raised, in order to resubmit your papers at a later date. Any applicant can request a copy of their interview paperwork, scores and feedback. IMechE has an arbitration and appeals process, whereby applicants who are dissatisfied with the process may appeal within a given timeframe. All documentation will be made available to the Arbitration Panel for their consideration. More information about this process is available on request.

Appendix A

COMPETENCE STATEMENTS AND EXAMPLES

The table below gives typical evidence appropriate to the four levels for each of the UK-SPEC competences. The table is for guidance only; exceptions and

variations may be acceptable.

Grade Chartered Engineer

Competence A Chartered Engineer

Competence B Chartered Engineer

Competence C Chartered Engineer Competence D

Chartered Engineer Competence E

Level

1

Little or no evidence beyond

initial qualifications gained of broadening and deepening applicant’s initial knowledge and skills. May have moved

into a sales/management role not requiring in-depth knowledge. Does not use or implement technology that

is new to their company.

Little or no evidence of

involvement in problem solving, life cycle analysis or specification/tender development. Does not use

modelling techniques. May have moved into a purely administrative role.


management or supervisory kills. A team member, not a team leader.


communication or presentation skills. Professional Review Report not well written or

presented. Poor response to questioning at PRI.


commitment to the profession or understanding of the ethical and behavioural aspects of the

profession. Not aware of IMechE code of conduct.

Level

2

Evidence of broadening or deepening knowledge

following academic formation. Evidence of

researching the market for technology or process improvements. May only be

involved on the periphery of making a case for the

adoption of an improved technology for their company. Able to provide

examples of putting forward

creative solutions to problems to colleagues, customers and/or suppliers

for acceptance. Able to put forward reasoned

justification and explanations for decisions.

Able to justify decisions and explain reasons for

solutions. Identifies learning points and takes them

forward. Clear logical approach to problem solving. Key involvement or

responsibility for producing tender documentation,

mechanical engineering designs, feasibility reports or technical specifications.

Knowledge of, and partial

responsibility for, commissioning/ decommissioning procedures

for equipment etc. Has some responsibility for

development of corporate engineering policy.

Team leader, project team leader, external activities

may contribute to competence development,

evidence of growing responsibility in near future if limited at present,

delegation of tasks to a small group of individuals.

Considers and manages parts of the project life cycle. Where evidence of

leading a project (or part of

a project) is missing, the individual must be able to demonstrate a level of

autonomy. Interviewers should explore the interface

between the applicant, their supervisor and work colleagues. Active

contribution to the

development of improved processes and value engineered solutions.

Evidence of leading and contributing to team

discussions, negotiations with customers and possibly

suppliers; Professional Review Report clearly written. Able to present their

case clearly at interview with examples/evidence.

General awareness and understanding of the issues

within the remit of their responsibilities and role

within the organisation; able to identify health and safety issues and the potential

problems which may arise; awareness of the

professional code of conduct of the Institution and its importance.

Probably little or no evidence

to date of involvement in IMechE or other institution activities or the promotion of

mechanical engineering. Limited career development

plan for the future.

Level

3

Evidence of continuing personal academic

development by broadening

or deepening knowledge of engineering principles. Clear evidence of use of, and possibly development of,

new technology or process improvements within their role. Able to give examples of recent market research

where they have been able

to put a case forward for the adoption of a new technology in their company. Evidence of using

creative thought processes to identify and then justify solutions to problems. Involvement in developing

internal and external

customer support solutions on behalf of the company. Has considered all possible outcomes for the resultant

product. Has indentified and met/exceeded customer needs for the product whether new developments

or enhancement to existing

developments. Has developed changes to processes and techniques, which enhance

productivity/quality.

Evaluation of design parameters. May be at management level

but must demonstrate clear

understanding of engineering principles and how they are applied.

Able to provide recent examples of the solution of

engineering problems. Able

to delegate tasks and identify and resolve problems before they occur. Has responsibility for

approving and evaluation design drawings. Evidence of producing tender documentation, feasibility

studies or technical

specifications. Responsibility for (de)commissioning equipment. Has responsibility for corporate

engineering policy. Evidence of applying mechanical engineering knowledge to design, feasibility studies,

commissioning and problem

solving.

Responsible for a number of technical and non-technical

staff either as a line

manager or within a project management environment, staff development, problem solving and probably limited

budgetary control. Responsible for managing a project though its entire life cycle, the project may be

small or more complex.

Planning and personal supervision of team based projects in research and/or development programmes or

problem investigation. Such teams are likely to be multi-disciplinary and may include personnel from outside the

company.

Active participation in design review. Active contribution to the development of improved processes and

value engineered solutions. The in-house training and development of technicians, skilled craftsmen and/or

engineering graduates,

possibly on a project-by-project basis. Evidence of planning and co-ordinating a multi-disciplinary project,

without direct line

management responsibility for the staff involved, is also acceptable.

Able to communicate effectively and concisely

both verbally and in writing.

Reasonable justification for decisions with technical content contained in report. Evidence of presentations to

colleagues, customers and suppliers; verbal and written papers to conferences. Evidence of established

working relationships

internally and externally. Ability to articulate ideas and proposals and obtain agreement from others.

Preparation of tender documents and technical specifications. Responsibility for developing

small teams of people within

a project or line management environment.

Good evidence of understanding health and

safety issues within the

remit of their responsibilities; consideration given to environmental risk and

disaster recovery; understanding of the professional code of conduct; awareness of

sustainable practices and

legislative issues. Good understanding of how they wish their career to develop in the medium term.

Probably some evidence of external activities, in IMechE or the promotion of young engineers.

Level

4

Clear evidence of continuing

to broaden or deepen

knowledge and understanding of mechanical engineering analysis,

Clear evidence of prime

responsibility for the

investigation and successful solution of engineering problems, the initiation of

Clear evidence of line

management and/or project

management, responsible for technical and non-technical staff, significant

Good, clear, effective

communication and

presentation skills. Evidence of presentations and negotiations with customers,

Clear evidence of

understanding of health and

safety issues, environmental risk factors, legislative issues, sustainable practices

techniques and standards. Uses and develops new

technologies, materials or

process that are new to their company. Has clearly identified and assessed the product’s target audience or

process requirements with involvement in developing marketing strategies on entering new market

sectors. Has clearly

deepened and broadened their knowledge within the context of their responsibilities as a

mechanical engineer and to their employer. May be evidence of contributing/sharing ideas to

external authorities. If

management, must demonstrate a clear understanding of the technical issues which may

occur within their remit.

major design studies, the introduction of new products

and/or services, the

production of specifications/tenders for new/retrofit plant and the development of corporate

engineering policy. If management, must demonstrate a clear understanding of the

technical issues associated

with the above, which may occur within their remit. Evidence of applying creative/innovative solutions

to mechanical engineering problems and presenting them to customers, colleagues and/or suppliers.

budgetary control, staff development and training,

delegation, problem solving,

clear understanding of quality, risk assessment etc.

suppliers and/or colleagues. Presentations to

conferences, seminars etc,

and evidence of published papers. Has established strong working relationships internally and externally.

Responsibility for development and management of teams.

and the professional code of conduct of the country in

which the applicant is

working. Evidence of actively promoting engineering, eg mentoring, training, presentations to young

engineers and an active involvement in IMechE or other institution activities. Has a clear commitment and

plan for their future career

development.

Grade Incorporated Engineer

Competence A

Incorporated Engineer

Competence B


Competence C


Competence D


Competence E

Level

1

Little or no evidence beyond initial qualifications gained of

broadening and deepening applicant’s initial engineering knowledge and skills. May

have moved into a sales/management role at

early stage in their career development therefore not

requiring in-depth knowledge.

Task oriented taking instructions from team

leader/supervisor. Little evidence of the development and selection of techniques

and procedures. Little evidence of identifying

problems and solving them. Probably operates and

maintains engineering products or services under

direct supervision.

Little or no evidence of project planning and control.

Probably works within a team with little responsibility and does not demonstrate

influencing skills or task scheduling. Little or no

involvement in budgetary or resource control. Probably

works under strict supervision.

Little or no evidence of clear focused communication or

presentation skills. Professional Review report not well written or

presented. Evidence of ability to develop good

working relationships with clients and colleagues weak.

Not able to present ideas clearly.

Little or no evidence of commitment to the

profession or understanding of the ethical and behavioural aspects of the

profession.

Level

2

Evidence of having broadened and deepened

engineering knowledge and skills. Able to demonstrate practical application of engineering principles as a

member of a team or as an

individual. Understanding of best practice. Evidence of planning and monitoring operations of products,

systems and/or services in

their industry. Knowledge of quality management issues and systems. Possibly a

team leader.

Examples: clear evidence of developing and selecting

techniques, procedures and/or methods in their particular field. Able to demonstrate evidence of

problem identification and

problem solving. Aware of client needs. Evidence of developing producing, installing, maintaining,

constructing and/or

commissioning systems, products or services. Possible evidence of having

contributed to design and

development requirements.

Able to demonstrate evidence of involvement in

project planning, control and implementation issues. Evidence of the allocation and monitoring of resources.

Aware of regulatory and

financial constraints. Demonstrates some evidence of influencing skills within team and possibly

externally. Aware of the

need to continuously improve processes and quality standards used in

their field of engineering.

Understanding of client requirements.

Communication skills may lack confidence and require

prompting. Evidence of good working relationships with colleagues and clients. Able to present and discuss ideas

in a reasonable manner but

may not be entirely focused. Evidence of building teams and utilisation of negotiation skills.

General awareness and understanding of the issues

within the remit of their responsibilities and role within the organisation; able to identify health and safety

issues and the potential

problems which may arise; awareness of the professional code of conduct and its importance.

Probably little or no evidence

to date of involvement in IMechE or other institution activities or the promotion of

engineering. Limited career

development plan for the future.

Level

3

Clear evidence of having

broadened and deepened

engineering knowledge and skills with good practical application of best practice and methodologies. Probably

management/team leader level. Good evidence of quality assurance practice with examples of how

systems, products and/or

services have been

Clear evidence of developing

and selecting techniques,

procedures and/or methods in their particular field. Evidence of understanding client needs. Evidence of

producing, installing, maintaining, constructing and/or commissioning systems, products or

services and handling

associated problems. Expect

Demonstrates clear evidence

of planning and

implementing projects and co-ordinating activities of the team. Resource allocation and monitoring.

Good knowledge and understanding of managing tasks within budgetary and regulatory constraints.

Commercial awareness and

understanding of client

Able to communicate

effectively and concisely

both verbally and in writing. Able to present ideas and thoughts in a clear and focussed manner. Has

established good working relationships with clients and colleagues.

Good evidence of

understanding health and

safety issues within the remit of their responsibilities; consideration given to

environmental risk and disaster recovery; understanding of the professional code of

conduct; awareness of

sustainable practices and

improved. Able to identify, evaluate and explain

problems. Aware of new and

developing technologies and practices, performance and failure rate issues.

to see evidence of having contributed to design and

development requirements.

Clear evidence of monitoring and evaluating task processes. Probably evidence of having identified

potential enhancements.

needs is good. Able to demonstrate evidence of

monitoring processes,

identifying and solving of problems. Provides evidence of having brought about continuous improvement

processes, developing operations to meet quality standards. Good understanding of what the

standards are.

legislative issues. Good understanding of how

they with their career to

develop in the medium term. Probably some evidence of external activities, with involvement in IMechE or

the promotion of young engineers.

Level

4

Probably a senior operations manager/team leader. Clear

evidence of how they have deepened and broadened

their engineering knowledge and skills. Highly knowledgeable about quality

assurance systems and practices, evidence of

practical application, evaluation and development. Good knowledge and

evidence of how to measure

and improve performance and failure rates, and optimisation issues.

Probably in an operational management position in

control of producing, installing, maintaining,

constructing and/or commissioning products, systems or services. Good

evidence of handling associated problems and

evaluating possible solutions. Good understanding of client

needs. Contribution to

design and development requirements, evidence of having implemented new

processes, products or

services and supervised a team to do so. Identifies potential enhancements.

Clear evidence of good leadership and management

skills either as a line manager or project

manager. Good commercial awareness and understanding of budgetary

and regulatory constraints – probably heavily involved in

the budget setting process. Clear evidence of implementing continuous

improvement processes and

promoting quality standards throughout the organisation and to customers and

suppliers. Clear

understanding of client requirements in project lifecycle. Probably evidence of having led teambuilding

activities.

Good, clear, effective communication and

presentation skills. Evidence of presentations and

negotiations with customers, suppliers and/or colleagues. Has established strong

working relationships internally and externally.

Able to demonstrate evidence of building teams. Successful negotiation with

both internal and external

customers.

Examples: clear evidence of understanding of health and

safety issues, environmental risk factors, legislative

issues, sustainable practices and the professional code of conduct of the country in

which the applicant is working. Evidence of actively

promoting engineering, eg mentoring, training, presentations to young

engineers and an active

involvement in IMechE or other institution activities. Has a clear commitment and

plan for their future career

development.

Appendix B

How to demonstrate your competence

Here are a few pointers which will help you to look at the work you are doing in terms of the

competence requirements.

Think about the kind of work you do as part of your day-to-day work. When you are carrying

out the following activities, you will be demonstrating competences:

• Client visits, phone calls, last-minute scope changes, retendering, etc

• Task management of contract staff

• Replanning due to unforeseen events interacting with planned activities

• Meeting inputs, reports, tender documents, client meetings, specialist presentations,

etc • Non-work activities – managing sporting events, helping at schools, arranging social

events, etc

Competence A Examples:

• Introduction of new technology

• Introduction of new processes (LEAN, Six Sigma)

• Involvement in new energy sources

• Prototype designs and testing

• Cost/benefit analysis of potential new technology or process, presented as report

• Significant plant modifications/refurbishment resulting in a process change or

performance enhancement

• Plant performance assessments leading to proposals for improved efficiency or

reduced costs

• Successful problem solving on a major plant breakdown or malfunction using first

principles

Competence B Examples:

• Identifying improvement possibilities

• Comparing one solution against another, maybe different materials

• Specifying pumps; contract specifications

• Site services and operations; implementing both ad hoc and planned maintenance

• Running projects as a utilities manager

• Seeking solutions from other companies, competitors and academia

• Breaking down work into discrete elements with resource requirements and

performance standards • Applying appropriate planning techniques

Competence C Examples:

• Project management to time, cost and scope

• Monitoring budgets

• Leading multi-disciplined teams

• Identifying strengths and weaknesses in a team

• Exploiting available resources effectively

• Use of LEAN/Six Sigma tools to improve processes and ways of working

• Setting budgets for maintenance operations

• Planning shutdown for steam main replacement

• Initiating specialist awareness training • Understanding relevant contract law

Competence D Examples:

• Professional registration paperwork acceptable?

• Good telephone manner

• Presentations with clients, meeting clients, meeting key suppliers

• Negotiating timelines with clients or suppliers to meet your changing needs

• Graphical evidence presented to PRI panel (photos, schematics, devices)

• Presenting own ideas with confidence

• Preparing “Project Definitions”

• Making presentations at company conferences; strong emphasis on teamwork;

negotiating on aspects of utilities

Competence E Examples:

• Schools activities (SEA, EES, YEB, CREST)

• Coaching other graduates and peers • Liaison with your old university

• SHE representative, office HSE audits

• Out-of-work sustainability activities

• Presentations at local events

• IMechE lectures, local committee, Young Members panel

• Volunteer activities locally or nationally

• Good development plan – 1, 5, 10-year plan

• Next careers steps/expectations

• Commitment to continuing professional development

• Knowledge and use of safe systems of work (PTW, Fire Risk, Access, Heights, etc)

In addition to thinking about the competences, you might want to consider asking yourself

these questions when putting your application together:

• How often do you need to ask for guidance?

• How often is your supervisor checking on you?

• How much actual responsibility do you have, who takes the blame if it goes wrong?

• Who is the client liaising with?

• Are you involved in more than one project or activity? Are you multi-tasking?

• Are you managing the work of others, or training others, if so in what and why?

• How often do you feel as if you are the only one on the project/task/role?

• Do people refer to you as the “lead” engineer or some sort of senior role?

• Are you responsible for all client feedback?

guidance notes feb11

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